scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Ethiopian healthcare workers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261125
Author(s):  
Rihanna Mohammed ◽  
Teklehaimanot Mezgebe Nguse ◽  
Bruck Messele Habte ◽  
Atalay Mulu Fentie ◽  
Gebremedhin Beedemariam Gebretekle

Introduction COVID-19 poses significant health and economic threat prompting international firms to rapidly develop vaccines and secure quick regulatory approval. Although COVID-19 vaccination priority is given for high-risk individuals including healthcare workers (HCWs), the success of the immunization efforts hinges on peoples’ willingness to embrace these vaccines. Objective This study aimed to assess HCWs intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the reasons underlying vaccine hesitancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to July 2021. Data were collected from eligible participants from 18 health facilities using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 614 HCWs participated in the study, with a mean age of 30.57±6.87 years. Nearly two-thirds (60.3%) of HCWs were hesitant to use the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants under the age of 30 years were approximately five times more likely to be hesitant to be vaccinated compared to those over the age of 40 years. HCWs other than medical doctors and/or nurses (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI; 1.1, 3.8) were more likely to be hesitant for COVID-19 vaccine. Lack of believe in COVID-19 vaccine benefits (AOR = 2.5; 95%CI; 1.3, 4.6), lack of trust in the government (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI; 1.3, 3.1), lack of trust science to produce safe and effective vaccines (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI; 1.6, 4.2); and concern about vaccine safety (AOR = 3.2; 95%CI; 1.9, 5.4) were also found to be predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy showed to be high among HCWs. All concerned bodies including the ministry, regional health authorities, health institutions, and HCWs themselves should work together to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and overcome the pandemic.

Author(s):  
Hyun Kyung Park ◽  
Ji Hye Ham ◽  
Deok Hyun Jang ◽  
Jin Yong Lee ◽  
Won Mo Jang

This study aimed to assess the correlation between political ideologies, government trust, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among South Korea’s general population and 1000 respondents (aged 18 years and older) were included. We used multivariate logistic regression models to identify the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Respondents who self-identified as liberal or held “no political opinion” had higher rates of vaccine hesitancy than conservative respondents. People’s trust in the government’s countermeasures was associated with vaccination. Respondents who had risk perceptions (affective and cognitive) of COVID-19 had lower rates of vaccine hesitancy. Perceptions that the vaccine was not safe and being aged 18–29, 30–39, or 40–49 were associated with a higher probability of vaccine hesitancy. This study found that even if vaccine safety and risk perceptions toward COVID-19 were adjusted, self-rated political ideologies and government trust was associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. More effort to communicate with those who are conservative, younger, and have lower level of trust in the government are required to dissolve vaccine hesitancy. Further studies should analyze the mechanism of COVID-19 vaccine uptake for effective herd immunity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paddington T Mundagowa ◽  
Samantha N Tozivepi ◽  
Edward T Chiyaka ◽  
Fadzai Mukora-Mutseyekwa ◽  
Richard Makurumidze

Background: To minimize the devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic, scientists hastily developed a vaccine. However, the scaling up of the vaccination is likely to be hindered by the widespread social media misinformation. We, therefore, conducted a study to assess the COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans. Methods: We conducted a descriptive online cross-sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire among adults. The questionnaire assessed willingness to be vaccinated; sociodemographic characteristics, individual attitudes and perceptions, effectiveness, and safety of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the independent factors associated with vaccine uptake. Results: We analyzed data for 1168 participants, the age range of 19 to 89 years with the majority being females (57.5%). Half (49.9%) of the participants reported that they would accept the COVID 19 vaccine. The majority were uncertain about the effectiveness of the vaccine (76.0%) and its safety (55.0%). About half lacked trust in the government s ability to ensure the availability of an effective vaccine and 61.0% mentioned that they would seek advice from a healthcare worker to vaccinate. Age 55 years and above [vs 18 to 25 years Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.04, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07 to 3.87], chronic disease [vs no chronic disease AOR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.32 to 2.25], males [vs females AOR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.44 to 2.36] and being a healthcare worker [vs not being a health worker AOR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.34 to 2.24] were associated with increased likelihood to vaccinate. History of COVID 19 infection [vs no history - AOR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25 to 0.81) and rural residence [vs urban - AOR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.40 to 1.01] were associated with reduced likelihood to vaccinate. Conclusion: We found half of the participants willing to vaccinate against COVID-19. The majority lacked trust in the government and were uncertain about vaccine effectiveness and safety. The policymakers should consider targeting geographical and demographic groups which were unlikely to vaccinate with vaccine information, education, and communication to improve uptake.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Kumar ◽  
Majid Alabdulla ◽  
Nahid M. Elhassan ◽  
Shuja Mohd Reagu

Introduction: Healthcare workers are the critical frontline workforce of the COVD-19 pandemic and are considered a target group for vaccination. Hesitancy to vaccinate is a major concern that can jeopardize the vaccination programme. The hesitancy rates in the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) vary globally, and more importantly, hesitancy in HCWs is of particular concern, as it can influence the wider population.Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the vaccine hesitancy rate and its sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the HCWs in the state of Qatar. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey using a validated hesitancy measurement tool between October 15 and November 15, 2020. A total of 7,821 adults above the age of 18 years out of the 2.3 million adult Qatari residents completed the survey. While majority of the participants were from the general public, 1,546 participants were HCWs. Sociodemographic data, along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID-19 vaccination, were collected from the respondents.Results: We found that 12.9% of the study participants showed vaccine hesitancy, defined as definitely or probably will not take the vaccine if offered, and 25.31% reported that they were unsure about the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Female respondents were more hesitant toward the vaccine. Safety and efficacy concerns of vaccine were the significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The primary predictor for vaccine acceptance was a better understanding of the disease and vaccine.Discussion: Overall, 1 in 8 HCWs were reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly due to concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. Education about the vaccine's safety and efficacy can potentially improve acceptance among healthcare workers.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 682
Author(s):  
Nicolas Vignier ◽  
Kepha Brureau ◽  
Sybille Granier ◽  
Jacques Breton ◽  
Céline Michaud ◽  
...  

Background: In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the expansion of the more transmissible 20J/501Y.V3 (Gamma) variant of concern (VOC), mRNA vaccines have been made available in French Guiana, an overseas French territory in South America, from mid-January 2021. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to be vaccinated and the socio-demographic and motivational correlates among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in French Guiana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 22 to March 26, 2021 among a sample of HCWs in French Guiana. They were asked about their willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy, vaccine uptake and vaccines attitudes. Factors associated with willingness to get vaccinated have been analyzed with ordinal logistic regression, using Stata software. Results: A total of 579 HCWs were interviewed, including 220 physicians and 200 nurses most often working in hospital (54%) or in the liberal sector (22%). Overall, 65.6% of respondents reported that they were willing or had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 24.3% of respondents reported that they did not want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and 11.2% were unsure. HCWs were more willing to get vaccine if they were older, were worried about COVID-19 and were confident in the management of epidemic. Conversely, participants were less likely to have been vaccinated or willing to if they were nurses or of another non-medical profession, born in French Guiana, feared adverse effects, or if they did not trust pharmaceutical companies and management of the epidemic by authorities. Conclusion: Negative attitudes towards vaccines are a major public health concern among HCWs in French Guiana when considering the current active epidemic with Gamma VOC. General vaccine hesitancy and concerns about future side effects in particular represent important barriers. Low confidence in government and science are significant in COVID-19 vaccine refusal among non-medical staffs. Public health messaging with information on vaccine safety should be tailored to address these concerns. The specific challenges of HCWs from French Guiana must be taken into account.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinxin Ye ◽  
Wan Ye ◽  
Jinyue Yu ◽  
Yuzhen Gao ◽  
Ziyang Ren ◽  
...  

Background: Vaccination is a crucial measure in preventing the spread of epidemic. Vaccines targeting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been developed in a wide range of countries. Objective: This study aims to examine factors influencing vaccination rate and willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among Chinese healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: From 3rd February to 18th February, 2021, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs to investigate factors associated with the acceptance and willingness of COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents were classified into two categories, vaccinated and unvaccinated, and, the willingness of vaccination was assessed in the unvaccinated group. Information on socio-demographics and the psychological process of the participants for accepting the vaccine were evaluated. Results: A total of 2156 HCWs from 21 provinces in China responded to this survey (response rate: 98.99%)), among whom 1433 (66.5%) were vaccinated at least one dose. Higher vaccination rates were associated with older age (40-50 years vs. less than 30 years, OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58; >50 years vs. 30 years, OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.02-3.52), working as a clinician (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.05-2.27), having no personal religion (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.06-1.71), working in a fever clinic (OR=4.50 , 95%CI:1.54-13.17) or higher hospital level(Municipal vs. County, OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.28-3.16; Provincial vs. County, OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.25-3.22) and having knowledge training of vaccine (OR=1.67, 95%CI:1.27-2.22), family history for influenza vaccination (OR=1.887, 95%CI:1.49-2.35) and strong familiarity with the vaccine (OR=1.43, 95%CI:1.05-1.95) (All P<0.05). Strong willingness for vaccination was related to having a working in midwestern China (OR=1.89, 95%CI:1.24-2.89), considerable knowledge of the vaccine (familiar vs. not familiar, OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.17-2.39; strongly familiar vs. not familiar, OR=2.47, 95%CI: 1.36-4.49), knowledge training of vaccine(OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.05-2.48) and strong confidence in the vaccine (OR=3.84 , 95%CI: 2.09-7.07). Conclusion: Personal characteristics, working environments, familiarity and confidence in the vaccine were related to vaccination rates and willingness to get vaccinated among healthcare workers. Results of this study could provide evidence for the government to improve vaccine coverage by addressing vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies.


Author(s):  
Sreemol Sunil ◽  
Anish K. R. ◽  
Sreekutty M. J.

Background: The long-term control of the pandemic COVID-19 pandemic hinges on the uptake of vaccine and high immunization uptake is critical but barriers to immunization exists. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 threats to global health. Hesitancy will be a challenge to curbing this pandemic. Apt vaccination strategies are very essential to increase vaccine acceptance.Methods: A cross‐sectional study among the population in Kerala where data was collected through an online questionnaire using Google forms and was distributed using social media platforms. Total of 213 data was collected. Study focused on aspects of vaccine communication, preference of COVID-19 vaccine, perceived benefits, and barriers of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and cues of vaccine.Results: 80.2% of the respondents were willing to get vaccinated. 78.9% of the respondents have taken previous vaccinations by the government. 70 of them trust government health care departments and media (82.2%) is the least trusted platform regarding vaccination. 56.3% are not getting enough information on COVID vaccine safety, while 81.2% of the respondents did not receive negative information. A majority of them (64.3%) relied on official government websites for information. Majority agrees to the perceived benefits of COVID-19. 80.3% are willing to take free vaccination. 46.9 % are willing to pay for COVID vaccine.Conclusions: The scenario in Kerala is positive towards the vaccination drive and majority of them are willing to get vaccinated. But strategies must be made effective in terms of elevating the barriers to vaccination. 


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1231
Author(s):  
Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju ◽  
Philipp Sprengholz ◽  
Cornelia Betsch ◽  
Tene-Alima Essoh

Background: Vaccines are among the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for promoting child health. However, uptake is considerably affected by vaccine hesitancy. An example is Malawi, with a decline in second vaccine doses and the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding vaccine hesitancy is especially important when new vaccines are introduced. This study explores factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy for routine childhood immunization and the human papillomavirus vaccine in Malawi. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional survey design targeting caregivers of children under five years old and adolescent girls. The sample population was derived using three inclusion criteria: one district with low vaccine uptake (Dowa), one district with high vaccine uptake (Salima), and one district where human papillomavirus vaccine was piloted earlier (Zomba). A convenience sample of one primary and one secondary health facility was selected within each district, and participants were systematically included (n = 600). The measures were based on 5C scale for measuring vaccine hesitancy. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore vaccination intention predictors. Results: Confidence in vaccine safety was the strongest predictor of routine childhood immunization, followed by constraints due to everyday stress. Caregivers had lower confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy when they believed rumors and misinformation and were unemployed. Confidence was higher for those who had more trust in healthcare workers. Age, gender, religion, education, employment, belief in rumors, and trust in healthcare workers were considered predictors of vaccination intention. A husband’s positive attitude (approval) increased childhood vaccination intention. For human papillomavirus, vaccination intentions were higher for those with lower education, more trust in healthcare workers, lower complacency, and a lower tendency toward calculating the benefits and risks of vaccination. Knowledge of human papillomavirus did not increase vaccination intention, but the need to attain a husband’s approval did. Being a young adult and unemployed increased belief in rumors, while trust in healthcare workers reduced the belief. Conclusions: This study provides good insights into the drivers of vaccine hesitancy across different contexts in Malawi. However, further studies are necessary to understand low risk perception among elderly people and the declining trend in second vaccine doses.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju ◽  
Philipp Sprengholz ◽  
Cornelia Betsch ◽  
Tene-Alima Essoh

Abstract Background: Vaccines are among the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for promoting child health. However, uptake is considerably affected by vaccine hesitancy. Malawi has experienced a decline in second vaccine doses and has the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding vaccine hesitancy is especially important when new vaccines are introduced. This study explores factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy for routine childhood immunization and the human papillomavirus vaccine in Malawi. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional survey design to target caregivers of children under five years of age and adolescent girls. The sample population was derived using three inclusion criteria: one district with low vaccine uptake (Dowa), one district with high vaccine uptake (Salima), and one district where human papillomavirus vaccine was piloted earlier (Zomba). A convenience sample of one primary and one secondary health facility was selected within each district, and participants were systematically included (N = 600). Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore vaccination intention predictors.Results: Confidence in vaccine safety was the strongest predictor of routine childhood immunization, followed by constraints due to everyday stress. The participants had lower confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy when they believed rumors and misinformation and were unemployed. Confidence was higher for those who had more trust in healthcare workers. Age, gender, religion, education, employment, belief in rumors, and trust in healthcare workers were considered predictors of vaccination intention. A husband’s positive attitude (approval) increased childhood vaccination intention. For human papillomavirus, vaccination intentions were higher for those with lower education, more trust in healthcare workers, lower complacency, and a lower tendency toward calculating the benefits and costs of vaccination. Knowledge of human papillomavirus did not increase vaccination intention, but a husband’s approval did. Being a younger adult and being unemployed increased belief in rumors, while trust in healthcare workers reduced it. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the drivers of vaccine hesitancy across different contexts in Malawi. However, further studies are necessary to understand low risk perception among elderly people and the declining trend in second vaccine doses.


Author(s):  
Xudong Gao ◽  
Haiyan Li ◽  
Wenjie He ◽  
Wen Zeng

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among medical students in Wuhan, China, and to identify the factors and barriers associated with their vaccination decision. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was launched with 612 medical students recruited by convenience sampling from six universities. Data collection measures mainly included a demographic questionnaire, COVID-19 vaccine knowledge questionnaire, and the vaccine hesitancy scale. Results: A total of 58.2% of medical students reported vaccine hesitancy. The most common reasons for this were worrying about the side effects of vaccines (44.4%), uncertainty about vaccine safety (40.4%), and underestimating the risk of exposure to COVID-19 (27.9%). The main factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among participants were their knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine, training related to COVID-19 vaccines, family address, and education level (P<0.05). Conclusions: The government, health department and universities in China need to work together and actively communicate with vaccine-hesitant students, establish a standardized COVID-19 vaccine course, and provide on-campus vaccination services.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048586
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Mazin Barry ◽  
Fadi Aljamaan ◽  
Abdullah Alhuzaimi ◽  
Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the perception, confidence, hesitancy and acceptance rate of various COVID-19 vaccine types among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, a nation with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus experience.DesignNational cross-sectional, pilot-validated questionnaire.SettingOnline, self-administered questionnaire among HCWs.ParticipantsA total of 2007 HCWs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated; 1512 (75.3%) participants completed the survey and were included in the analysis.InterventionData were collected through an online survey sent to HCWs during 1–15 November 2020. The main outcome measure was HCW acceptance of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. The associated factors of vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis and via measurement of the level of anxiety, using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale.ResultsAmong the 1512 HCWs who were included, 62.4% were women, 70.3% were between 21 and 40 years of age, and the majority (62.2%) were from tertiary hospitals. In addition, 59.5% reported knowing about at least one vaccine; 24.4% of the participants were sure about their willingness to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and 20.9% were willing to receive the RNA BNT162b2 vaccine. However, 18.3% reported that they would refuse to receive the Ad5-vectored vaccine, and 17.9% would refuse the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine. Factors that influenced the differential readiness of HCWs included their perceptions of the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing the infection (33%), their personal preferences (29%) and the vaccine’s manufacturing country (28.6%).ConclusionsAwareness by HCWs of the several COVID-19 candidate vaccines could improve their perceptions and acceptance of vaccination. Reliable sources on vaccine efficiency could improve vaccine uptake, so healthcare authorities should use reliable information to decrease vaccine hesitancy among frontline healthcare providers.


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